A field seminar entitled “Artificial Intelligence and High-Throughput Phenotyping Platforms for Wheat Breeding in Arid Regions” was held at the Gobustan Regional Experimental Station, jointly organized by the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Research Institute of Crop Husbandry of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The event brought together researchers from both institutes, staff members of the Gobustan Regional Experimental Station, farmers, representatives of cereal-producing companies, and other stakeholders.

The seminar focused on increasing drought tolerance and productivity through modern approaches, the application of digital technologies in wheat breeding, advanced breeding methods, the role of artificial intelligence in breeding programs, ongoing research on the development of drought-tolerant and high-yielding wheat varieties, and other topical issues.

Presentations were delivered by Adil Mammadov, Head of the Executive Authority of Gobustan District; Academician Irada Huseynova, Acting Director of the Institute of Molecular Biology; Dr. Conrad Rein, Secretary General of the Strategic Initiative for Global Food Security; Sevinj Mammadova, Deputy Director of the Research Institute of Crop Husbandry; Atabey Jahangirov, Head of the Gobustan Regional Experimental Station of the Research Institute of Crop Husbandry; Professor Ali Naz of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences (Germany); and farmer Ruslan Ahmadov.

The speakers emphasized that global climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture. In particular, the development of drought-tolerant and high-yielding wheat varieties is of strategic importance for sustainable wheat production. Extensive research is being conducted in Azerbaijan to develop new wheat varieties adapted to arid rainfed conditions. Breeding activities involving thousands of wheat and barley genotypes are being carried out at the Gobustan Regional Experimental Station.

It was noted that the application of artificial intelligence and high-throughput phenotyping platforms for wheat breeding in arid regions has become one of the major directions of agricultural research in recent years. These technologies enable the processing and analysis of large-scale datasets, facilitate more accurate identification of drought-tolerant genotypes through the evaluation of thousands of plant specimens, and accelerate the breeding process.

The speakers highlighted that the primary objective of breeding programs in these regions is to develop varieties capable of producing high yields under limited water availability. Artificial intelligence and high-throughput phenotyping platforms enhance the efficiency of breeding programs and create broad opportunities for developing new wheat varieties adapted to climate change.

It was also noted that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other international organizations are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence and high-throughput phenotyping technologies in efforts to develop drought-tolerant wheat varieties. These technologies are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring future food security.

Participants emphasized that such field seminars serve as important platforms for knowledge and experience exchange among scientists, specialists, and farmers. These events provide opportunities to showcase new wheat varieties, present breeding achievements, introduce modern technologies, enhance farmers’ practical knowledge, and accelerate the transfer of scientific results into agricultural production. Furthermore, they contribute to the dissemination of innovative approaches in agriculture and the strengthening of food security.

Following the seminar, participants visited the experimental fields of the Institute of Molecular Biology and the Gobustan Regional Experimental Station, where they observed digital phenotyping and analytical procedures and took part in the phenotypic evaluation of varieties and hybrids.